Reps summon foreign affairs minister over deportation of Nigerians from South Africa

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The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned Gbenga Ashiru, Minister of Foreign Affairs to appear before it on Tuesday to clarify Nigeria relationship with its African countries.

Chairman of the Committee, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje told newsmen in Abuja on Monday that the Committee was disturbed by the diplomatic row brewing between Nigeria and her other African countries.

She said the committee was worried by the series of negative attacks on Nigerians and its embassies especially in African and the sub region.

The lawmaker said the recent deportation of 125 Nigerians by South African government was the height of insult and indignation Nigerians would be subjected to in the continent.

She said some months ago, Nigeria embassy was attacked in South Africa for no just reason, wondering why such should be happening to Nigeria.

Elendu-Ukeje also recalled the recent locked up of some Nigerians in Togo by the Togolese authorities without any form of explanation to Nigerian government.

“We are indeed worried about all these indignation and scorn Nigerians were subjected to all over the world especially by her sister African nations, which calls for a review of our relationship with these countries’’

“So we have invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to a meeting on Tuesday to come and explain to us, our relationship with these countries and why Nigerians are being subjected to ridicule all over the world,’’ She said.

Elendu-Ukeje (PDP-Abia), said it was a high time the country put its act together and take its rightful position in Africa, which could only be done with us redefining our relationship with these African nations.

“The outcome of the meeting will shape our next line of action as a parliament in our foreign policy direction and relationship with these countries. We cannot allow these insults on our citizens and country continues unabated’’ she said.

125 Nigerians were deported from South Africa on Friday over Yellow fever Vaccination card.

The 125 Nigerians, who arrived South Africa on Thursday, were deported on Friday with 75 of them on board South African Airways while 50 were in Arik air.

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